Six households have recently moved into a new home, following the completion of an affordable development in an area of natural outstanding beauty.
The homes have been developed by Teign Housing, a Newton Abbot-based housing association, following years of work by local residents through the Upper Coly Valley Community Land Trust. All six homes have been let at social rent and include three two-bed houses, one three-bed house and two one-bed bungalows built by Coyde Construction.
The development in Northleigh, called Chilcombe Field, in the Upper Coly Valley near Honiton in East Devon, was chosen to satisfy the need for affordable housing for local people in the villages of Northleigh, Southleigh and Farway. The new homes have all been let, with priority being given to those with an existing local connection to the three villages.
Tom Woodman, chief executive of Teign Housing, said:
“There is a real lack of affordable housing for young people and families in the villages, so local people have to move away from the communities they call home. High house prices and high rents make things incredibly difficult for people. We are really pleased to have been able to work with partners to find a way to deliver affordable homes for rent, as well as ensuring they are attractive homes that enhance the area.
“We are pleased that the homes have now been completed, and we’ve already received wonderful feedback from residents about their new homes and what it means living in Northleigh, some of whom lived there with their parents growing up. Thank you to all the local people, partners and funders involved.”
The scheme was made possible thanks to funding from Homes England, East Devon District Council and Teign Housing. Over the years, Upper Coly Valley Community Land Trust received grant funding to pay for the design and associated works to obtain planning permission, and the land was originally sold to Teign Housing by the local parish council.
Willy Rich, Chair of the Upper Coly Valley Community Land Trust, said:
“This project started over 10 years ago with all the local parishes meeting to ascertain if there was a need for housing and from there, the Upper Coly Valley Community Land Trust was formed.
“Many people and organisations have helped us over the years, and we are so pleased to see the hard work come to fruition now that the residents have moved into their new homes in the village.”
Councillor Dan Ledger, East Devon District Council's Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Homes and Communities, said:
"It's fantastic to see these new affordable homes completed and occupied by local people with strong connections to the area.
"Access to genuinely affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges facing our communities, and this development demonstrates what can be achieved when local residents, housing providers and the council work together with a shared vision.
"Too many people are being priced out of the villages where they grew up, work or have family ties. Developments such as Chilcombe Field help ensure local people can continue to live close to their support networks, schools and jobs, while helping to sustain the long-term future of our rural communities.
"I'm delighted that these six households have now moved into their new homes and can enjoy the security and stability that affordable housing provides.
"Thank you to Teign Housing, the Upper Coly Valley Community Land Trust, Northleigh Parish Council and everyone involved for their commitment and perseverance in bringing this important project to fruition. I'm proud that East Devon District Council supported the scheme, and I wish the new residents every happiness in their new homes."
Darren and Ivana Pengelly, who have moved in with their children Jacob, aged 10, and Jack, aged 8, added:
“Having a home in the village means everything to us. The children have more space, we can stay close to the community we know, and it has made a real difference to family life.”
Darren is the postman for Northleigh and Farway, and Ivana is a local seamstress and cleaner.
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